Obituary: Mary Rooney

LEMONT, IL — Mary C. Rooney passed away May 4, 2024, in Chandler, Arizona, at the age of 87. She was born on June 6, 1936, and raised on Chicago’s Southside by her parents John and Bernice Broderick. In 1957, she married the love of her life and best friend, the late John “Jack” T. Rooney. Their 54 years of marriage were filled with love, laughter and countless adventures.

In 1967, they moved to Lemont, to raise their five children and 20 years later moved to Gilbert, Arizona to start Little Jack’s Peach Orchard.

She was a loving and devoted mother to Tim (Donna) Rooney, Kathleen Rooney, John (Lynne)
Rooney, Sheila (Todd) Dixon and Michael (Trish) Rooney. Cherished grandmother to Daniel (Melissa) Rooney, Lorna (Nick) Chapman, Brett (Vanessa) Dixon, Andrew Dixon, Meghan Dixon, Sean Rooney, Dusty Rooney, and the late Jack Dixon and the late Felicia Rooney. Adored great-grandmother to Colin and Brynn Chapman, Jack Rooney and Nellie Dixon. She is survived by her sister Margaret (Richard) Schmitz, and is preceded in death by her brother Jack Broderick, and sister Helen Sydello.

Mary was a Registered Nurse at Palos Community Hospital for 10 years and Chandler Regional
Hospital for 10 more. She was a member of St. Steven’s Catholic Church in Sun Lakes, Arizona. Mary had many interests including art, music, crossword puzzles, trivia, and Jeopardy; but her special love was her family. She enjoyed family gatherings, get-togethers and celebrating her Irish heritage. She has left us with numerous memories, traditions and will be deeply missed by many.

We would like to extend a special thank you to Mom’s friend, Suzanne Henderson, and the staff at
Hospice of the Valley. Funeral mass and celebration of life are to be determined at a later date in Arizona.